FAAA stall occurs when the smooth airflow over the unmanned airplane's wing is disrupted and the lift degenerates rapidly. This is caused when the wing
- ❌A:exceeds the maximum speed.
- ❌B:exceeds maximum allowable operating weight.
- ✅C:exceeds its critical angle of attack.
Explanations
- A: While speed is a crucial factor in flight dynamics, exceeding the maximum speed of a drone does not directly cause a stall. A stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack, disrupting the smooth airflow over the wing. In a business context, operating a drone at excessive speeds can lead to decreased control and increased risk of accidents, impacting operational safety and potentially leading to financial losses due to damage or regulatory fines.
- B: While operating a drone above its maximum allowable weight can impact its performance and battery life, it does not directly cause a stall. A stall is caused when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack. For commercial operators, understanding the impact of payload on drone performance is essential for planning and executing missions effectively and safely.
- C: Correct. A stall occurs when the wing of a drone exceeds its critical angle of attack, disrupting the smooth airflow and causing lift to degenerate rapidly. Understanding this concept is crucial for commercial drone operators to maintain control of the drone, ensure operational safety, and avoid costly accidents or regulatory violations.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding the concept of a stall and the critical angle of attack is crucial for commercial drone operators. A stall can lead to loss of control, potentially resulting in accidents that can cause damage to the drone, injury to people or property, and regulatory violations. This can have significant financial implications, including repair or replacement costs, potential fines, and increased insurance premiums.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Operating a drone safely requires understanding the aerodynamic principles that govern its flight. Exceeding the critical angle of attack can cause a stall, leading to a loss of control. This can result in collisions, damage to the drone or other property, and potential injury. In addition to the safety risks, there are also potential legal and financial consequences, including regulatory fines and increased insurance costs.
Consider This Scenario
A commercial drone operator is hired to conduct a survey of a large construction site. The operator plans to use a heavy payload to capture high-resolution images. However, the operator fails to consider the impact of the additional weight on the drone's performance. During the flight, the operator attempts a steep climb, causing the drone to exceed its critical angle of attack and stall. The drone crashes into a crane, causing damage and delaying the construction project.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that remote pilots understand the aerodynamic principles that govern the flight of a drone. This includes understanding what causes a stall and how to prevent it. The FAA also wants to ensure that pilots understand the safety risks associated with stalls and the potential consequences of a loss of control.
Business Success Strategy
Understanding the aerodynamics of drone flight can help you plan and execute missions more effectively. This includes understanding how factors like speed, weight, and angle of attack can impact the drone's performance. By avoiding stalls, you can maintain control of the drone, ensure operational safety, and avoid costly accidents or regulatory violations.
Memory Aid
A "stall" is the wings (or propellers) failing to generate lift.
Enhanced References
ACS section UA.IV.A.K1b, FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.2 "Stalls"
Related Concepts
- Stall recovery techniques
- Lift generation and airflow
- Critical angle of attack definition
ACS Code: UA.IV.A.K1b
Difficulty: basic